Neo Sports bags 7-yr New Zealand cricket rights for Asia

Neo Sports Broadcast has won a closely fought multi-broadcaster pitch to showcase all domestic and international cricket played in New Zealand until 2020. Pitch International, New Zealand Cricket’s exclusive international broadcast and sponsorship agents, managed the sales process.

Coming close on the heels of securing the broadcast rights for Asia Cup, this deal ensures a consistent presence of cricket on the Neo network for the rest of the decade.

With India scheduled to tour New Zealand in February 2014, Neo’s cricket line-up for 2014 now includes two major events/ series involving India.

The seven-year deal includes 261 days of live cricket, including 18 T20s, 63 ODIs and 36 Tests and includes rights for all of Asia, excluding Middle-East. The coverage will begin on March 6, 2013 with New Zealand hosting England in a three-match Test series.

David White, CEO, New Zealand Cricket said, “Neo are market leaders in cricket broadcasting in the Indian Sub-continent and we are delighted to have established a direct relationship with them for the next seven years.”

Prasana Krishnan, COO, Neo Sports added here, “We are thrilled to partner with New Zealand Cricket and to have the opportunity to showcase New Zealand Cricket on our channels for the next seven years. New Zealand has been the venue for some stellar cricket and memorable performances and we look forward to showcasing more of these in the years to come.”

The cricket action over the next seven years includes two India tours in 2014 and 2019; a Trans-Tasman rivalry double header with Australia in 2016 and 2018; and England being hosted thrice in 2013, 2018 and 2020.